by Kasey Lopez<\/p>\n
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Here\u2019s the thing. Now that you\u2019re attending the University of Central Florida, you will forever carry the burden of telling out-of-town relatives and well-meaning friends, who aren\u2019t from these here parts, that no, you do not in fact \u201cpractically live\u201d at Disney (nor do you visit Disney whenever you felt like it). In fact, time and time again, you will have to explain that a Disney ticket is probably too much for your college student budget and that it is an hour away from campus. Because of Orlando\u2019s identity often defined by that cute mouse, many fail to realize that Orlando sports a reputation as home to of the \u201chappiest place on earth,\u201d and is named the city beautiful.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n What many people don\u2019t know is Orlando is rich and diverse in culture. Vietnamese, Caribbean, and Latin American influences have shaped Orlando into what it is today and through these influences, there are a number of locations that cater to educating and enriching visitors.\u00a0 For students on a budget, these are the sights and locations in Orlando\u2014and Winter Park\u2014which provide more bang for less bucks<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Mills 50 District<\/strong><\/p>\n From the newly installed Russian Ballet Studio (with windows allowing sightseers to look upon the performing artists\u00a0) to the Photo and Hobby shop which has been an Orlando staple for decades, Mills 50\u2019s shops and sights make it a great location to spend the day.<\/p>\n Little Vietnam District<\/strong><\/p>\n Within the Mills 50 District, you will find a strong presence of Vietnamese owned shops, restaurants, and supermarkets. Visit Pho 88 for some authentic Pho- a Vietnamese delicacy – or step into Dong-A Supermarket to find the necessary ingredients to make your own.<\/p>\n Catch an Orlando City Soccer Game<\/strong><\/p>\n Although their premier season as a Major League Soccer team is over, the Orlando City Lions have cemented their place at the heart of Orlando. Latin American and European influences in Orlando are the reason for this team\u2019s rise in Orlando, and we could not be more thankful. Their games are filled with an energy that is unmatched by any other professional sporting event. Get there early to experience Lion tailgating and the pre-game shows that are presented by several Orlando sponsors. With their second season set to open at the Orlando Citrus Bowl in 2016 and a midseason move into their own stadium on Church Street in Downtown\u00a0, Orlando City fever is far from over.<\/p>\n Have Breakfast and then Visit the Tiffany Museum<\/strong><\/p>\n Louis Comfort Tiffany, son of the founder of the infamous Tiffany & Co., was a legend in the art world. Alongside the previously forgotten but visually stunning Tiffany chapel first exhibited in the 1893 Worlds Columbian Exposition, his iconic lamps and decorative designs are housed at the Morse Museum located at 445 N. Park Avenue in Winter Park.<\/p>\n Explore the Orlando Science Center<\/strong><\/p>\n For those of us who grew up in Orlando, no elementary school experience was complete without a visit to the Orlando Science Center. As an adult,\u00a0these sights and sounds are even more amazing. Although a standard visit through the science center might bring out your inner kid, exhibits such as the Mummies of the World Exhibition are sure to interest history and anthropology majors alike. Their IMAX globe theater is also an experience in itself, bringing nature films to life.<\/p>\n Run Around Lake Eola and Grab a Bite or Two<\/strong><\/p>\n The center of Downtown Orlando is not only home to one of the landmarks of Orlando, the Lake Eola fountain, but also some pretty sweet running grounds. Put your ear buds in, blast some running music, and run around Lake Eola. The rustle and bustle of the city will make a surreal backdrop against the beautiful nature sights such as the fauna and the koi pond. If you find yourself there on a Sunday, you can experience the Orlando Farmers Market which takes place from noon to 4p.m. Featuring live music, craft beer, and venders from all around Orlando, the Farmers Market is a good opportunity to explore what Orlando has to offer in terms of food and live entertainment.<\/p>\n